Hinge for a luminaire

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for collapsible lighting fixtures are disclosed. In aspects, a horticultural luminaire 100 has first and second light fixtures 110, 120 coupled in movable relation between storage and deployed positions by a coupling element 130 applying a retarding torque. Coupling element can be coupling shaft 250 providing friction, or friction hinge cartridge 260. In aspects, hinge 130 has ledge surfaces 218, 228 adjacent rotational hinge faces 216, 226 and extending transverse the rotational plane. In aspects, a horticultural luminaire has an articulated cableway extending through hinge 130 coupling light fixtures 110, 120 and guiding a cable entering from the exterior into cable passageways in light fixtures 110, 120, thereby lessening a cable pinch point during rotation and deployment.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Examples of the present disclosure are related to systems and methodsfor collapsible lighting fixtures. More particularly, embodimentsdisclose lighting fixtures with hinge bodies that are configured to bepositioned adjacent to each other, wherein a plane of rotation of thelighting fixtures is orthogonal to the positioning of light bars.

BACKGROUND

Controlled environment agriculture, especially vertical farming isbecoming more prevalent in the US and around the world. Vertical farmingrelies on light fixtures to illuminate a plant canopy. The lightfixtures uniformly distribute radiant flux over the plant canopy, whileremoving heat from light sources (typically LEDs). The light fixtures'efficacy and cost directly impacts the operational expenses associatedwith vertical farming. As fixture height directly influences a number ofvertical layers within a growth volume, it is important to minimize aform factor or vertical height of the fixture.

Due to the large footprint of the light sources, it makes the lightfixtures difficult to transport. Conventionally to transport lightfixtures, light fixtures may be fully disassembled at a manufacturingplant and then re-assembled onsite. This creates extra and unnecessarysteps to form the light fixture at a desired location. Additionally, thelarge footprint of the light source makes the light fixtures difficultto install, particularly by only one person. In many cases, two or morepeople are required to hang the light fixture in place because the lightfixture is too unwieldy and awkward to manage by a single person.

Accordingly, needs exist for more effective and efficient systems andmethods for foldable light fixtures systems, wherein hinge bodies areconfigured to be inserted into the rails of the light fixture and bepositioned adjacent to each other while rotating the light fixture.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed towards a foldable lightfixture, wherein a first fixture is coupled to a second fixture viahinge bodies positioned within rails of the first fixture and the secondfixture. By rotating the first fixture and/or the second fixture aboutan axis defined by the hinge bodies, the light fixture may be foldedover itself, such that the first fixture is positioned adjacent to thesecond fixture. This may allow the length of the light fixture to bereduced in half while in a transportation mode when compared to being inan operational mode. Embodiments may include a plurality of lightfixtures, wherein each of the light fixtures can be independentlycollapsed or extended. This may allow for a system with a dynamic lengthbased on a number of light fixtures that are expanded or collapsed.

Embodiments of the light fixture may include a first fixture, a secondfixture, and hinges.

The first light fixture may be a light fixture that includes a firstrail, a second rail, and light bars. The first rail and the second railmay be hollow rails and extend from a first end to a second end of thefirst fixture, wherein the hinges may be positioned on the second endsof the first rail and the second rail. The light bars may be configuredto extend from the first rail to the second rail, wherein the light barshouse lighting sources.

The second light fixture may be a light fixture that includes a thirdrail, a fourth rail, and light bars. The third and fourth rails may behollow rails that extend from a first end to a second end of the secondfixture, wherein the hinges may be positioned on the second ends of thethird and fourth rails. The light bars may be configured to extend fromthe third rail to the second rail, wherein the light bars house lightingsources.

The hinges may be configured to be inserted into the rails to couple thefirst rail and the third rail, and the second rail and the fourth rail.Further, the hinges may provide for an axis of rotation between thefirst light fixture and the second light fixture, which may enable tolight fixture to be folded over itself. The hinges may include a firstportion and a second portion.

A first end of the first portion may be configured to be inserted intothe first rail, and a first end of the second portion may be configuredto be inserted into the third rail. Inner faces of the second ends ofthe first and third portions may be configured to be positioned adjacentto each other. A pivot may be inserted through the second ends of thefirst and third portions to couple the first portion and the secondportion together, and to provide an axis of rotation of the lightfixture. When the first light fixture and/or the second light fixtureare rotating about the pivot, the inner faces of each other may remainadjacent to each other and remain in a plane orthogonal to an axis ofrotation of the light figure.

These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better appreciatedand understood when considered in conjunction with the followingdescription and the accompanying drawings. The following description,while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerousspecific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not oflimitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions orrearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and theinvention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions orrearrangements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention aredescribed with reference to the following figures, wherein likereference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various viewsunless otherwise specified.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding componentsthroughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans willappreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicityand clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggeratedrelative to other elements to help improve understanding of variousembodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understoodelements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasibleembodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a lessobstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows lighting system 100 deployed in a mountable, operational,open first configuration, also referred to herein as expanded mode orfully extended.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of lighting system100, including components of hinge 130.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of partially opened or expanded lightingsystem 100.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of lighting system 100 in a secondconfiguration that is closed, also referred to herein as folded mode ortransportation mode for storage.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of lighting system 100 in a first mode,fully extended.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of lighting system 100 in a second mode,closed.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of hinge 130.

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of hinge 130.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along A-A of FIG. 7 showing thefriction cartridge.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along B-B of FIG. 7 showing insert nut274.

FIG. 11 shows luminaire 100 latched open by brackets 272 with powersupply module 270 attached to brackets 272.

FIG. 12 shows power cable 266 entering both light fixtures through hinge130.

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective and exploded rear perspective view ofhinge 130.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. Itwill be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art thatthe specific detail need not be employed to practice the presentembodiments. In other instances, well-known materials or methods havenot been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the presentembodiments.

FIG. 1 depicts a lighting system 100, according to an embodiment.Lighting system 100 may be configured to fold in half via hinge 130. Ina first mode, as shown in FIG. 1, the lighting system 100 may be fullyextended. In a second mode, as shown in FIG. 4, lighting system 100 maybe folded onto itself. Lighting system 100 may operate while in thefirst mode, enabling lighting system 100 to emit light over a longerarea of interest. Lighting system 100 may be comprised of a first lightfixture 110 and a second light fixture 120 that are coupled together viahinge 130. Utilizing hinge 130, first light fixture 110 and second lightfixture 120 may be positioned in the same plane when expanded, and maybe positioned in parallel planes when folded.

First light fixture 110 may include a first rail 112, second rail 114,and light bar 116.

First rail 112 and second rail 114 may be configured to extend from afirst end of light fixture 110 to a second end of light fixture 110,wherein first rail 112 and second rail 114 may be in parallel to eachother. Furthermore, the second ends of first rail 112 and second rail114 may be coupled with hinge 130.

Light bars 116 may extend from first rail 112 to second rail 114, and bepositioned perpendicular to first rail 112 and second rail 114. Lightbars 116 may be configured to house lighting sources on a lower surfaceof light bar 116.

Second light fixture 120 may include a third rail 122, fourth rail 124,and light bars 116. Third rail 122 and fourth rail 124 may be configuredto extend from a first end of second light fixture 120 to a second endof second light fixture 120, wherein third rail 122 and fourth rail 124may be in parallel to each other. Furthermore, the second ends of thirdrail 122 and fourth rail 124 may be coupled with hinge 130.

Hinges 130 may be configured to couple first rail 112 and third rail122, and second rail 114 and fourth rail 124. Further hinges 130 may beconfigured to be inserted into a hollow cavity within the rails, andalso provide an axis of rotation for first light fixture 110 and/orsecond light fixture 120.

FIG. 2 depicts a detailed view of hinge 130, according to an embodiment.Elements depicted in FIG. 2 may be described above, and for the sake ofbrevity another description of these elements is omitted. Hinge 130 maybe comprised of a first section 210 and a second section 220, whereinthe different sections of hinge 130 may be configured to be insertedinto corresponding rails on the same side of lighting system 100. Inembodiments, first section 210 and second section 220 may be symmetricalparts.

First section 210 of hinge 130 may include a projection 212, body 214,and first hinge member 216.

Projection 212 may be a projection that is configured to be inserted andhoused within a hollow chamber within a first rail. A lower surface ofprojection 212 may have a first coupling orifice that is configured toreceive a first coupling member 232, which may be inserted through alower surface of the first rail and into the lower surface of projection212. Through first coupling member 232 the movement of first section 210may be limited.

Body 214 may be configured to be positioned between projection 212 andfirst hinge member 216. Body 214 may have a lower surface that isconfigured to be positioned adjacent to and flush against a lowersurface of the railing, and have an upper surface that is configured tobe covered by an upper surface of the rail. Body 214 may have a widththat is substantially the same as the rail.

First hinge member 216 may be configured to extend away from body 214 atan angle. First hinge member 216 may have a width that is smaller thanthat of body 214, such that an angled ledge 218 is formed on an innersurface of first member 216 on body 214. The ledge may allow therotational plane of hinge 130 to be positioned with the width of body214. Further, by ledge 218 being angled, when first hinge member 216and/or second hinge member 226 rotates, ledge 218 will not obstruct therotation.

An inner surface of first hinge member 216 may include a rotating memberorifice 240, wherein rotating member orifice 240 is configured toreceive a first end of coupling shaft 250.

Second section 220 of hinge 130 may include projection 222, body 224 andsecond hinge member 226.

Projection 222 may be a projection that is configured to be inserted andhoused within a hollow chamber within a second rail. A lower surface ofprojection 212 may have a second coupling orifice that is configured toreceive a second coupling member 234, which may be inserted through alower surface of the second rail and into the lower surface ofprojection 222. Through second coupling member 234 the movement of firstsection 210 may be limited.

Body 224 may be configured to be positioned adjacent to projection andsecond hinge member 226. Body 224 may have a lower surface that isconfigured to be positioned adjacent to and flush against a lowersurface of the second rail, and have an upper surface that is configuredto be covered by an upper surface of the second rail. Body 224 may havea width that is substantially the same as the rail.

Second hinge member 226 may be configured to extend away from body 224at an angle. Second hinge member 226 may have a width that is smallerthan that of body 224, such that an angled ledge (228) is formed on aninner surface of second hinge member 226 on body 224. An inner surfaceof second hinge member 226 may include a second rotating member orifice(not shown), wherein the second rotating member orifice is configured toreceive a second end of coupling shaft 250. Additionally, inner faces offirst hinge member 216 and second hinge member 226 may be positionedadjacent to each other when first light fixture 110 is positionedadjacent to second light fixture 120 and when first light fixture 110 ispositioned away from second light fixture 120. The positioning of theinner faces of first hinge member 216 and second hinge member 226 maycreate a rotational plane that is perpendicular to the positioning ofthe light bars and in parallel to a central axis of lighting system 100when first light fixture 110 is positioned away from second lightfixture 120. Further, by positioning the rotational plane between theinner faces of first hinge member 216 and second hinge member 226 thepossibility of a pinch point hazard may be reduced.

Coupling shaft 250 may have a first end having a first diameter with asmooth circumference, and a second end having a second diameter with acircumference with ridges, bumps, etc. The first end may be configuredto be pressed fit into first rotating member orifice 240, such that thefirst rail cannot move relative to the first end. The second end ofcoupling shaft 250 may be configured to be inserted into the secondrotating member orifice. Due to the size differences between the secondend of coupling shaft 250 and the first end of coupling shaft 250, thesecond rail may be configured to rotate around coupling shaft 250. Thismay enable the first light fixture and second light fixture bepositioned apart or adjacent to each other. Furthermore, the grooves onthe second end of coupling shaft 250 may cause friction against thesecond section 220 of hinge 130, this may assist in controlling therotation of lighting system 100.

FIG. 3 depicts lighting system 100, according to an embodiment. Elementsdepicted in FIG. 3 may be described above, and for the sake of brevityanother description of these elements is omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 3, first light fixture 110 and second light fixture120 may be rotated relative to one another, which may decrease an anglebetween first light fixture 110 and second light fixture 120. As thelight fixtures are rotated, ledge 218 may allow second hinge member 226to rotate unobstructed.

FIG. 4 depicts lighting system 100, according to an embodiment.

Elements depicted in FIG. 4 may be described above, and for the sake ofbrevity another description of these elements is omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 4, first light fixture 110 and second light fixture120 may be rotated such that there is no angle or a minimal anglebetween the two light fixtures. When in the folded position, the lightbars 116 may be aligned with each other. Furthermore, the lower surfacesof the light bars 116 may be positioned adjacent to each other. This mayassist in protecting light sources positioned on the light bars 116.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 depict lighting system 100, according to anembodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 may be describedabove, and for the sake of brevity another description of these elementsis omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, when lighting system 100 is in anexpanded mode or in the folded mode, ledge 218 may be positionedadjacent to a sidewall of second hinge member 226. By forming ledge 218and the sidewalls of second hinge member 226 to have correspondingangles, the likelihood of a pinch point may be reduced.

Although the present technology has been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be themost practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understoodthat such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology isnot limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, isintended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that arewithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it isto be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to theextent possible, one or more features of any implementation can becombined with one or more features of any other implementation.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “anembodiment”, “one example” or “an example” means that a particularfeature, structure or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of thepresent invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”,“in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features,structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitablecombinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments orexamples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures providedherewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled inthe art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the flow diagrams illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations,and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustrations, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Lighting system 100 may also be referred to as luminaire 100. Each lightfixture 110 and 120 carries light sources, preferably solid state lightsources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The light source isutilized to create light or supplement natural light to an area ofinterest. The light sources are preferably configured to stimulate plantgrowth, alone or in conjunction with natural light, by emitting a lightspectrum that is similar to the sun, or to provide a spectrum that istailored to the needs of particular plants being cultivated. Inpreferred embodiments light fixtures 110 and 120 collectively operatelight sources, arranged for example on light bars 116, that dissipate345 Watts, or more, of input power.

It is observed that in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, ledge surface218 (also called ledge 218) is positioned for clearance to rotatingsecond hinge member 226 whether lighting system 100 is in the closed oropen configuration. Ledge 218 is spaced from the lateral, confrontingface of second hinge member 226 by about 3 mm, thus acting as a kind ofpartial enclosure or shroud preventing an ingress of a foreign objectnear the rotating face, and lessening a likelihood of a pinch point inthat region. A similar clearance exists between second ledge surface 228and the lateral confronting face of first hinge member 216, see e.g.FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 8, and as discussed hereinbelow, since the twoprincipal hinge components are functionally symmetric. Furthermore,since as described above, first hinge member 216 has a width smallerthan that of body 214, the rotational plane of hinge 130 is positionedwithin, that is, at or inside of, an envelope surface of the width ofbody 214. In preferred arrangements, the rotational plane of hinge 130is within, i.e. at or inside of, an envelope surface of the channelformed in rail 112 into which projection 212 of first hinge body 214 isinserted. This permits a compact and aesthetically desirable joint. Theprojection 210, 222 may also be referred to as a tang. First hingemember 216 may also be referred to as a hinge face, and second hingemember 226 may also be referred to as a hinge face, since theirconfronting faces define the hinge rotational plane.

As discussed hereinabove referring to FIG. 2, coupling shaft 250 isconfigured to apply a predetermined or preselected retarding moment offorce (or torque) during motion of first light fixture 110 relative tosecond light fixture 120. This retarding torque controls rotation oflighting system (or luminaire) 100 by the choice of the ridge, bumps orother friction-causing features relative to the size chosen for theorifice into which it is fitted. It may also be advantageous thatcoupling shaft 250 be embodied as a commercially available frictioncartridge 260. An exemplary friction cartridge 260 is available understock number TI-320-1.50-02 from Reell Precision Manufacturing Corp.(Minnesota, US) (“Reell”), which provides 1.5 Nm torque. Theconventional manner of operation of such a friction cartridge is knownand generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,875,348 (Kossett) assigned toReell, in that a housing piece and an adapter piece are each firmlyembedded in one of the respective two workpieces, e.g. here the firstand second hinge members 216, 226; plural internal c-clip shaped torqueelements are joined to the housing piece and bear frictionally on aninternal axle that extends from the adapter piece and is fixed tightlyby a spline to the adapter piece, thus enabling the commerciallyavailable friction cartridge to provide both axial and rotary resistanceto relative motion between the two workpieces, here the two hinge faces216, 226. Coupling shaft 250 or friction cartridge 260 advantageouslypermit a slow closing of the luminaire, with reduced likelihood of rapidclosing that might otherwise surprise an operator or damage light bars116.

A coupling element between first light fixture 110 and second lightfixture 120 could be configured as a telescoping drawer slide mechanism(not illustrated) to permit translating relative motion with anappropriate spring and frictional engaging element providing retardingmoment between the closed (second) mode and the deployed, operational,open (first) mode, but the relative rotary motion as illustrated hereinis convenient. Hinge 130 advantageously provides such rotary motion.Luminaire 100 has in some embodiments a weight of about 24 pounds (11.2kg) or more. Clearance dimensions for frictional coupling shaft 250, orspecifications for the internal friction of a friction cartridge 260,are chosen to provide a predetermined retarding moment, e.g. torque, toallow for a slow closing of luminaire 100, thus tending to avoidpinching of fingers or entrapment of an electrical cable, which couldmore readily occur with the use of conventional simple surface mountedhinges, e.g. similar to door hinges or piano-style hinges that aremounted on a top or side surface otherwise connecting adjacent rails112, 122. A conventional hinge would also disadvantageously permit rapidslamming of the luminaire halves closed, which due to the luminaire'sweight might damage the luminaire or injure an operator. Furthermore, aconventional hinge coupled to an upper or side surface of achannel-shaped rail disadvantageously exposes, especially when theluminaire is in the folded closed position, the wireway and electricalconnections inside the frame, which could lessen electrical safety.

A cableway is defined in some or all hollow rails 112, 114, 122, 124 toreceive power cable 266 (see FIG. 12) extending from power supply module270 through the cableway (also referred to as wireway) to light sourceswithin individual light bars 116. For example referring to FIGS. 2, 4,and 5, rail 112 is formed with cable opening 3122, preferably on alateral side wall or face transverse to a longitudinal axis of the rail.Likewise third rail 122 defines cable opening 3222, also on a lateralside. Such cable opening need not be surrounded by material, e.g. sheetmetal, of the rail as a fully enclosed hole; as shown in the figures theaperture or orifice may be, as shown, an indentation in a peripheralwall, e.g. terminal edge, at the open cross-section that communicateswith an interior cavity within the rail. An aperture, also referred toas hinge cableway aperture 3212, 3222, formed in each hinge body 214,224 or projection 212, 222, respectively, provides access from a regionexterior to luminaire 100 into the interior cavity (e.g. hollow channel)of a respective rail, see FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 12, and 13. Such apertures arepreferably formed on a lateral inwardly facing wall (the lower portionsof FIGS. 5, 6) of luminaire 100 rather than a more aestheticallyprominent, outwardly directed wall (the upper portions of FIGS. 5, 6).Power received through cable 266 from power supply module 270 branchesinto each first and second light fixture 110, 120 through hinge 130. Dueto rotational motion when moving from a closed (folded) to an open(deployed) position, a distance between these cableway openings 3212,3222 varies, becoming a greater distance in the open (deployed)configuration. The opening formed in the hinge, and the manner in whichthe hinge plugs or occludes the rails, reduces or eliminates alikelihood of the cable becoming pinched or damaged during deployment ofthe luminaire from the closed to the open position. This arrangement isalso likewise effective during storage when moving the luminaire fromthe open position to return to the closed position. This helps conformwith electrical code requirements such as those of UnderwritersLaboratory (UL).

FIG. 12 shows that cableway apertures 3212, 3222 formed in hinge bodies214, 224, or respective hinge projections 212, 222, can support cablestrain relief bosses 268 which are inserted therein and coupled to powersupply cable 266.

FIGS. 5, 6, 8, and 13 show second ledge 228 formed on second hinge body224 adjacent to second hinge member 226 and shaped to provide a spaced,shape-conforming clearance for depending first hinge member 216throughout the relative motion occurring between the closed (or folded)position and the deployed or open position (“first mode”). The firsthinge member 216 depends forwardly and downwardly from first body 214.The hinge bodies 214, 224 occupy the void existing at opposinglongitudinal ends of each rail or frame member, concealing the wirewayespecially when the luminaire is in the collapsed condition, see FIG. 4or FIG. 6. In exemplary embodiments, ledge 218 and ledge 228 concealotherwise exposed ends of open channels of rails 112, 122 so that thecableway is concealed. This relationship is alternately expressed inthat hinge 130 substantially occludes respective longitudinally orientedopenings of the cavities, e.g. channels in rails 112, 122, that arefacing hinge 130, e.g. mutually facing each other. A further alternateway of expressing this is that hinge body 130 is, along its longitudinalaxis L (FIG. 7, FIG. 13) in register with a longitudinally orientedopening of the channel of a rail 112, 122, and the size of an inlet areacommunicating from a region exterior to the luminaire to the cablepassageways does not get lessened or pinched but rather remains constantindependent of an angular position between first and second lightfixtures 110, 120. The region exterior to the luminaire refers to thegeneral air space surrounding the luminaire's components, i.e. the spacein which luminaire 100 is suspended for example from a ceiling in agreenhouse.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 7 show a front surface of hinge 130 extending in alongitudinal direction, along axis L. A height of the hinge isadvantageously compact, in an exemplary embodiment being being about 1.8inch (circa 46.4 mm). FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of hinge 130illustrating its width (W) in a lateral direction. FIG. 8 shows thatledge surface 228 and hinge member or hinge face 226 collectively occupythe lateral width. Analogously, ledge surface 218 and hinge member orhinge face 216 occupy the lateral width of hinge body 214. Ledge surface228 helps prevent introduction of a foreign object into a region betweenrotating hinge members 216 and 226, thus helping avoid a pinch point inthat region. A width of the lap joint hinge 130 is advantageouslycompact, in an exemplary embodiment being about 1.2 inch (circa 31.6mm).

FIG. 9 shows a cross-section A-A of FIG. 7 through hinge bodies 214, 224and friction cartridge 260 firmly engaged, in a suitable orifice, ineach of first hinge member 216 and second hinge member 226.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-section B-B of FIG. 7 through channel-receivingprojection 222 of hinge second section 220, and further shows a threadednut 274. Nut 274 may be overmolded into hinge section 220. The threadednut 274 receives a fastener such as second coupling member 234 shown inexploded diagram of FIG. 2.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, 6 12, and 13, a suitable limit on angularrotation of hinge 130 is provided by abutment surface 262 formed onfirst hinge body 214 and cooperating stop surface 264 formed on secondhinge body 224. The first light fixture 110 and second light fixture 120face each other in the first, closed position (which may also bereferred to as “a second mode”) for storage or transport. In this firstposition light-emitting surfaces of light bars 116 of first lightfixture 110 face the light-emitting surface of light bars 116 of secondlight fixture 120. That is, in the first position of storage, first andsecond light fixtures 110, 120 are in parallel planes, slightly offset,and their respective light-emitting surfaces are in confrontingrelation. In the second, open position (which may also be referred to as“a first mode”) luminaire 100 is deployed for use, and in embodimentsfirst light fixture 110 has rotated about 180 degrees into approximatelythe same plane as that of light fixture 120. As shown in FIG. 5,abutment surface 262 confronts stop surface 264. In other embodimentshinge 130 limits angular displacement of light fixture 110 to not morethan about 180 degrees.

FIG. 13 shows a rear perspective view including a rear explodedperspective view of hinge 130. The first hinge cableway aperture 3212 onhinge projection 212 communicates with a groove or channel formed onhinge body 214 and projection 212 defining first cableway 276 extendingalong hinge projection 212. The second hinge cableway aperture 3222 onhinge projection 222 communicates with a groove or channel formed onhinge body 224 and projection 222 defining second cableway 276 extendingalong hinge projection 222. In an assembled condition as shown in FIG.2, FIG. 5, or FIG. 12, it is evident that these two cableways 274, 276communicate between, on the one hand, the interior cavities or hollowchannels in the rails, which create a passageway to guide a power cableto light bars 1116, and on the other hand, an exterior region exteriorof luminaire 100 where power supply module 270 is located, as shown inFIG. 11 or FIG. 12.

Hinge body occludes the channel, advantageous in a horticulturalluminaire so that moisture or dirt have lesser tendency to enter thechannel of the rail.

In operation, and referring to FIG. 11, after an operator opens lightfixture 110 relative to light fixture 120, then one or more braces orbrackets 272 are positioned on the frame of luminaire 100 to latch itopen. Brackets 272 could extend across and interconnect one or morerails of one light fixture to one or more rails of the other lightfixture. Advantageously, brackets 272 extend across a centrally locatedlight bar 116 of each of the two light fixtures, and act as a latch thatresists further relative motion, e.g. further rotation, between thelight fixtures. This thus secures the orientation of the deployed,second position. The power supply module 270 is conveniently attached toquick-connect features on brackets 272.

Further details with regard to various considerations concerning thedesign of hinged, folding lighting fixtures may be found in UnitedStates Patent Application Publications US2018/0356048 (Duong) andUS2018/0356077 (Duong), the entire contents of each of which isincorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein, each ofwhich published Dec. 13, 2018, entitled “Systems and Methods forLighting Fixtures” and is assigned to the assignee of the presentapplication. Reference is also made to a press release dated Aug. 28,2018 (available online at https: //fluence.science/spyder-2-series/ asof July, 2019) by the present assignee announcing the lighting systemmarketed under the trade designation “Spyder-2” series similar to theluminaire depicted in the FIGS. 1-13 herein, including as in FIGS. 7-13.These two published patent applications and the press release of Aug.28, 2018 are cited for the purpose of reference and further detail only,and is not an indication or admission that any of them qualify as priorart.

Known lamps having hinges are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,508(Villard); U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,441 (McGee); and Patent PublicationsUS2008/0253121 (Chien) and US2017/0307144 (Boomgaarden).

The following non-limiting reference numerals are used in thespecification:

-   100 lighting system or luminaire-   110 first light fixture-   112 first rail of first light fixture 110-   114 second rail of first light fixture 110-   116 light bar-   120 second light fixture-   122 third rail (of second light fixture 120)-   124 fourth rail (of second light fixture 120)-   130 hinge-   210 first section of hinge 130-   212 projection of hinge first section 210-   214 body of hinge first section 210-   216 first hinge member of hinge first section 210-   218 angled ledge of first hinge member 216-   220 second section of hinge 130-   222 projection of hinge second section 220-   224 body of hinge second section 220-   226 second hinge member of hinge second section 220-   228 second angled ledge (of hinge body 224) section-   232 first coupling member (fastener, e.g. bolt)-   234 second coupling member (fastener, e.g. bolt)-   240 first rotating member orifice-   250 friction coupling shaft-   260 friction cartridge-   262 abutment surface-   264 stop surface-   266 power cable-   268 cable strain relief-   270 power supply module-   272 bracket (power supply-mounting light bar bracket)-   274 threaded nut-   276 cableway in first hinge projection 212-   278 cableway in second hinge projection 222-   3112 cable opening in first rail 112-   3122 cable opening in second rail 122-   3212 first hinge cableway aperture in first hinge projection 212-   3222 second hinge cableway aperture in second hinge projection 222-   L longitudinal axis of hinge projection member (see FIG. 7, FIG. 13)

What is claimed is:
 1. A lap joint hinge (130) for a horticulturalluminaire, comprising, first and second hinge bodies (214; 224) definingrespective channel-receiving projections (212; 222) extending inopposite directions along a longitudinal axis, each said hinge bodyhaving, transverse to the longitudinal axis, an overall width; the firstand second hinge bodies (214; 224) further defining respective first andsecond hinge members (216; 226), the first and second hinge membersextending downward towards one another and laterally offset one anotherin adjacent confronting relation, thereby defining a rotational planeextending parallel the longitudinal axis and disposed, in a lateraldirection, between outermost lateral surfaces of the hinge; the firstand second hinge bodies being rotationally coupled to rotate, adjacentone another in parallel planes, about an axis; and the first and secondhinge bodies (214; 224) further defining respective first and secondledge surfaces (218; 228) extending downward and away from one another,the ledge surfaces extending transverse to the rotational plane, andeach said ledge surface (218; 228) of one of the first and second hingebodies (214; 224) being, as seen in the longitudinal direction, inspaced confronting relation with the hinge member (216; 226) of theother of the first and second hinge bodies; and wherein a respectivesaid ledge surface and a respective said hinge member of each said hingebody occupies an entirety of the hinge body width.
 2. The lap jointhinge of claim 1, wherein the first and second hinge bodies arerotationally coupled by a shaft (250), the shaft providing apredetermined friction retarding angular displacement between the firstand second hinge bodies.
 3. The lap joint hinge of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second hinge bodies are coupled by a shaft configured as afriction hinge cartridge (260).
 4. The lap joint hinge of claim 1,wherein the first hinge body comprises an abutment surface (262) locatedon an upper region thereof above the first hinge member (216); and thesecond hinge body comprises a stop surface (264) located on an upperregion thereof above the second hinge member (226); the abutment surfaceand the stop surface being disposed radially spaced from the rotationalaxis such that their mutual contact limits rotation.
 5. The lap jointhinge of claim 1, wherein rotation from the first position to the secondposition comprises about 180 degrees of angular displacement.
 6. The lapjoint hinge of claim 5, wherein the angular displacement is limited tonot more than about 180 degrees.
 7. The lap joint hinge of claim 1,wherein the first and second ledge surfaces (218, 228) are disposed onopposite sides of the rotational plane.
 8. The lap joint hinge of claim1, wherein the first and second ledge surfaces (218; 228) are angledaway from respective said first and second hinge members (216; 226). 9.The lap joint hinge of claim 1, wherein each said hinge member is angledforward in opposite direction from the channel-receiving projection ofthe respective hinge body.
 10. The lap joint hinge of claim 1 incombination with a rail (112, 122) having a channel, the rail extendingon opposite sides of the hinge and coupled with the respectivechannel-receiving projections (212; 222) of the hinge bodies, whereinthe first and second ledge surfaces (218; 228) occlude a path of ingressof an object from a region exterior the rail from entering into thechannel.
 11. A hinge (130) for a horticultural luminaire, comprising: afirst hinge body (214) having a central longitudinal axis, the bodyhaving a width in a lateral direction generally perpendicular thecentral longitudinal axis; a first channel-receiving projection (212)extending along a longitudinal direction generally perpendicular thelateral direction; a depending first hinge face (216) depending downwardin a direction transverse the longitudinal direction, the first hingeface being formed on a surface of the first hinge body, as seen in thewidth direction, laterally inboard of an outer surface of the firsthinge body; a second hinge body (224) having a central longitudinalaxis, the body having a width in a lateral direction generallyperpendicular the central longitudinal axis; a second channel-receivingprojection (222) extending along a longitudinal direction generallyperpendicular the lateral direction; a depending second hinge face (226)depending downward in a direction transverse the longitudinal direction,the second hinge face being formed on a surface of the second hingebody, as seen in the width direction, laterally inboard of an outersurface of the second hinge body; at least one of the first and secondhinge faces having formed thereon a shaft orifice (240) disposed belowthe central longitudinal axis; a shaft received in the shaft orifice androtationally coupling the first and second hinge bodies along a hingeaxis; the first hinge body (214) having formed on an inner surfacethereof a first ledge surface (218) disposed abutting the first hingeface (216) and extending transverse thereto, the first ledge surfacebeing angled rearward toward the first channel-receiving projection(212); and the second hinge body (224) having formed on an inner surfacethereof a second ledge surface (228) disposed abutting the second hingeface (226) and extending transverse thereto, the second ledge surfacebeing angled rearward toward the second channel-receiving projection(222); whereby the first and second ledge surfaces face the shaft andextend along the hinge axis.
 12. The hinge of claim 11, wherein theledge surfaces extend generally parallel the hinge axis.
 13. The hingeof claim 11, wherein the first and second hinge bodies are rotationallycoupled by a shaft (250), the shaft providing a predetermined frictionretarding angular displacement between the first and second hingebodies.
 14. The hinge of claim 11, wherein the first and second hingebodies are coupled by a shaft configured as a friction hinge cartridge(260).
 15. The hinge of claim 11, wherein the first hinge body comprisesan abutment surface (262) located on an upper region thereof above thefirst hinge face (216); and the second hinge body comprises a stopsurface (264) located on an upper region thereof above the second hingeface (226); the abutment surface and the stop surface being disposedradially spaced from the hinge axis such that their mutual contactlimits rotation.
 16. The hinge of claim 11, wherein the first and secondledge surfaces are angled away from respective said first and secondhinge faces (216; 226).
 17. The hinge of claim 11, wherein rotation ofthe hinge bodies about one another is limited to not more than about 180degrees.
 18. The hinge of claim 11, wherein the shaft (250) is formedseparately from both hinge bodies.
 19. The hinge of claim 11, whereinthe first and second ledge surfaces (218; 228) are angled away fromrespective said first and second hinge faces (216; 226).
 20. The hingeof claim 11 in combination with a rail (112, 122) having a channel, therail extending on opposite sides of the hinge and coupled with therespective channel-receiving projections (212; 222), wherein the firstand second ledge surfaces (218; 228) occlude a path of ingress of anobject from a region exterior the rail from entering into the channel.